Families of Covid heroes to receive Rs 1 crore each, says CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): The Delhi Government has taken a historic and deeply emotional decision for the families of its employees who lost their lives while performing their duty during the Covid-19 pandemic. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that each family of an employee who lost their lives while on Covid duty will be granted an ex-gratia amount of Rs 1 crore. The government will shortly release this assistance to the families of 10 such employees. According to the Chief Minister, this process is ongoing, and a Group of Ministers’ committee is continuously working on it. She emphasised that the contribution of those employees who passed away during their service in the pandemic will be remembered as one of the most selfless and inspiring chapters in Delhi’s story.

She said that during the pandemic, doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers, teachers, and other frontline employees of the Delhi Government risked their lives and served the public selflessly. When the entire world had come to a standstill out of fear of the pandemic, these employees carried on their duties day and night, ensuring that healthcare, sanitation, essential services, and other necessities continued without interruption.

She added that their contribution would be etched into Delhi’s history as an inspiring legacy. The government has also decided to approve and release the pending ex-gratia payments of employees who were deployed on Covid duty during 2020-2021. Very soon, this amount will be handed over as recognition of the extraordinary service of the 10 employees who put service to society above their own lives during the most difficult period of the pandemic.

The Chief Minister said that the government is treating this matter with utmost seriousness. She pointed out that the previous administration despite making many announcements failed to act with the urgency the situation demanded and chose instead to focus on publicity. She further noted with regret that the ex-gratia payment meant as a gesture of respect and gratitude was held back for nearly five years due to procedural delays and other reasons. However, she emphasised that no delay can ever diminish the value of the services rendered by the employees.

The Chief Minister expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the government will provide ex-gratia support to all employees who lost their lives while serving during the covid pandemic. To oversee this process, a Group of Ministers has been formed, including Cabinet Ministers Ashish Sood, Kapila Mishra, and Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh. They will be supported by senior officials from the Relief Branch Divisional Commissioner Neeraj Semwal and District Magistrate Amol Srivastava. She added that this is not a one-time exercise but a continuous process. The committee is regularly reviewing such cases, and in the coming days, more families of employees are expected to receive the ex gratia payment.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that after the BJP government came to power in Delhi, it was decided to simplify the procedures so that assistance could reach the families of the martyred employees without delay. This step is not only an administrative reform but also a symbol of a sensitive model of governance. She added that the ex-gratia is more than a financial aid, it is a token of gratitude, solidarity and justice. The government will always stand with its employees who place public service above all else, even in the toughest of circumstances. This decision, she said, is a tribute to all those brave personnel who valued their duty above their very lives.